Bailee was able to participate in a hitting workshop with Oklahoma Sooners alumni All Americans Jayda Coleman, Kenzie Hansen, and Alyssa Brito.

For any young softball player, the opportunity to learn from some of the game’s best can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For Bailee, a promising high school player with big dreams, the chance to participate in a hitting workshop alongside Oklahoma Sooners alumni and All Americans Jayda Coleman, Kenzie Hansen, and Alyssa Brito was exactly that: a day she’ll never forget.

The workshop, held at a bustling indoor facility in Norman, Oklahoma, was buzzing with excitement long before the first pitch was even thrown. Bailee, like so many others in attendance, had grown up watching these women on TV, dreaming of one day following in their footsteps. For her, this wasn’t just a clinic — it was a moment of inspiration and a golden chance to learn directly from the best.

When Bailee arrived at the workshop, she was struck by how real and approachable Jayda, Kenzie, and Alyssa seemed. These women weren’t just elite athletes with championship rings and national accolades; they were mentors eager to share their wisdom.

Jayda Coleman, the dynamic outfielder known for her fearless approach at the plate, was there with her trademark smile and easygoing energy. Her presence lit up the room, and Bailee could feel her own nerves starting to melt away as Jayda cracked jokes and shared stories about her journey from high school standout to Sooner superstar.

Kenzie Hansen, the powerhouse catcher with a swing that can change a game in an instant, brought a level of intensity and focus that resonated with Bailee. Her insights on the mental side of hitting and the importance of preparation struck a chord — lessons Bailee knew she’d carry with her long after the workshop ended.

And then there was Alyssa Brito, the infielder who made a name for herself as one of the most clutch hitters in college softball. Alyssa’s smooth, compact swing was mesmerizing to watch, and her tips on mechanics and approach at the plate were exactly the kind of hands-on guidance Bailee had been hoping for.

The workshop started with a warm-up session designed to get everyone loose and ready to hit. Jayda led the dynamic stretches, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and athleticism in a hitter’s swing. “You can’t just rely on your arms,” she told the group. “Your whole body has to be involved, from the ground up.”

Bailee listened intently as Jayda demonstrated how to stay balanced and engaged through the core. She’d always known that a powerful swing started with the lower half, but seeing Jayda move so effortlessly through her routine made it click in a whole new way.

Next up was Kenzie, who took the group through some basic drills focused on timing and bat path. Her message was simple but profound: “It’s not just about hitting the ball hard. It’s about being on time and staying smooth.” She showed how a slight adjustment in grip or hand position could make all the difference, and Bailee felt like she was seeing the game through new eyes.

Alyssa’s station was all about approach. She talked about reading the pitcher, staying patient, and not being afraid to adjust mid-at bat. “You’re never out of an at-bat,” she said, tapping her helmet with her bat for emphasis. “As long as you’re in the box, you’ve got a chance to make something happen.”

For Bailee, these words were more than just advice — they were a mantra. She’d always been the kind of hitter who wanted to go up there and crush every pitch, but Alyssa’s calm, measured approach gave her something new to strive for: discipline and confidence in every plate appearance.

One of the highlights of the workshop for Bailee was the chance to get some one-on-one feedback. Each participant had a few minutes to hit under the watchful eye of these All Americans, and when Bailee’s turn came, her heart was racing.

She stepped into the cage and took a deep breath. Jayda was standing just outside the netting, eyes locked in, ready to offer pointers. Bailee took a couple of swings, feeling the adrenaline surge through her.

“Relax those shoulders,” Jayda said with a grin. “Let the barrel work for you.” It was a simple cue, but it made all the difference. Bailee felt the tension slip away, and suddenly her swing was smoother, her timing sharper.

Then Kenzie stepped in, her voice steady and encouraging. “You’ve got a really nice load,” she told Bailee. “Just focus on staying inside the ball. Don’t let your hands get too far out.” Bailee nodded, feeling the pieces of her swing start to come together.

Finally, Alyssa offered a few quick words of advice. “Trust yourself,” she said, her tone firm but kind. “You’ve got a great swing. Now just let it play.”

For Bailee, those words were like a spark. She’d always believed in herself, but hearing it from someone like Alyssa Brito gave her a whole new level of confidence.

As the day went on, Bailee realized that this workshop was about more than just mechanics. Jayda, Kenzie, and Alyssa shared stories of the challenges they faced in their careers: the slumps, the injuries, the self-doubt. They talked about what it meant to be a good teammate, how to handle pressure, and why loving the game — even on the hard days — was the key to lasting success.

Bailee was struck by how honest and vulnerable these women were. It was easy to look at their highlight reels and think they’d always been perfect, but hearing about their struggles made them even more inspiring.

Kenzie talked about the grind of college softball and how important it was to keep a positive mindset, even when things weren’t going well. “You’re going to fail sometimes,” she said. “That’s part of the game. But you have to keep showing up, keep believing in yourself.”

Jayda emphasized the importance of staying connected with your teammates. “Softball isn’t a solo sport,” she said. “The best hitters are the ones who lift up the people around them.”

And Alyssa’s message was all about resilience. “You’re going to get knocked down,” she said. “But every time you do, you have a choice. You can stay down, or you can get back up and keep fighting.”

The workshop wasn’t just about Bailee’s experience — it was about being part of a community. She met other young players who shared her love for the game, who dreamed of playing at the college level, and who were just as excited to learn from these softball icons.

They traded stories about their favorite games, compared notes on their favorite drills, and cheered each other on in the cages. There was a sense of camaraderie that made the day feel special, like they were all part of something bigger than themselves.

Bailee found herself swapping phone numbers with a few girls from other states, promising to keep in touch and share videos of their swings. She knew that these friendships — forged in the heat of the batting cage — could last a lifetime.

When the workshop ended, Bailee was exhausted but exhilarated. She’d spent hours soaking up knowledge, making new friends, and pushing herself in ways she never had before.

As she packed up her gear, Jayda stopped by to give her a quick fist bump. “You did great today,” she said. “Keep working. I can tell you’ve got something special.”

Bailee beamed, feeling that spark of possibility in her chest. She knew she had a long way to go to reach the level of players like Jayda, Kenzie, and Alyssa, but the workshop had shown her what was possible — and given her the tools to chase that dream.

On the ride home, Bailee replayed the day in her head, jotting down notes on everything she’d learned: the importance of staying relaxed, the mental game of hitting, the value of being a great teammate. She thought about the drills she wanted to work on, the adjustments she needed to make, and the confidence she’d gained just by being there.

For Bailee, this workshop was more than just a day with softball royalty. It was a turning point — a chance to see the game through the eyes of champions and to realize that she, too, had the power to carve out her own path.

In the weeks that followed, Bailee could feel the difference every time she stepped into the cage. Her swings were smoother, her timing sharper, and her confidence higher. She was more focused during practice, more patient in the box, and more determined than ever to be the best version of herself.

She stayed in touch with some of the girls from the workshop, sharing videos of her progress and encouraging them on their journeys, too. They traded tips and cheered each other on from afar, bonded by the memory of that day in Norman.

Most of all, Bailee carried with her the lessons she’d learned from Jayda, Kenzie, and Alyssa: that greatness doesn’t come from raw talent alone — it comes from hard work, resilience, and an unwavering love for the game.

And as she stepped into the batter’s box for her next game, she did so with a quiet confidence that came from knowing she had learned from the best — and that she was ready to write her own chapter in the game she loved.